What is the primary advantage of structured log writes in Cassandra?

The primary advantage of structured log writes in Cassandra is that they ensure reliability in case of failures. This approach allows Cassandra to maintain a write-ahead log (WAL), which acts as a durable buffer for incoming data. When a write request is made, it is first recorded in the WAL before being written to the actual data store. This ensures that in the event of a system failure, data can be recovered from the WAL, thus preventing data loss and enhancing the overall reliability of the database. The structured nature of the log, which includes timestamps and other metadata, also facilitates easier recovery processes and enhances the integrity of the write operations.

Redundant copies of data are a feature of Cassandra's replication strategy rather than a direct result of structured log writes. While the querying capabilities and data encryption processes are important aspects of the database, they are not the primary advantage related to structured logs. The focus on reliability through durable writes is what sets this feature apart in the context of Cassandra's architecture.